How to Build a Spooky Handprint Ghost Tree

Have your little ones give you a hand (literally) with this handprint project. The kids will love it and you will have a cute keepsake. I always love looking at last year’s handprint crafts and showing my little one how much she has grown.

What you need:

a branch from your yard or local park

black and white craft acrylic paint

paint brush

black polymer clay (I used Sculpey III)

needle

thread or clear fishing wire

cling wrap or wax paper

clear disposable cake lid or deli container

scissors

optional: sandpaper

STEP 1: Form some black clay into a dome. *note I wish I had used a little more clay for my base*

STEP 2: If your branch is too big or not the shape you want, trim or break off sections. If there are jagged or sharp edges, rub them on the sidewalk or use sandpaper. Press your branch halfway into your polymer clay base.

STEP 3: This step is optional. Drag a hobby blade through your base to make it look like tree roots.

BAKE: Bake clay as directed. I used Sculpey III, which bakes at 275 degrees for 15 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness. I baked mine for 18 minutes. Let it cool.

STEP 5: Dip your child’s hand (or foot) in white acrylic paint so it has a thin layer of paint on it. Help your child gently place their hand on the clear deli container lid. If the layer is too thick, it is more likely to peel and take too long to dry. Let it dry a little longer than directions on the paint since the paint has nothing to absorb into. I let my branch and ghost prints dry for 2 hours.

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